Diagram of an IPG: Seattle Day 4

Yet more stories from Day 4, written by another (possibly younger and certainly much more humorous) teaching team member on behalf of the Area Teaching Committee. (Was it the summary comment of "This 10 th Cycle of Growth has been totally rad" that tipped us off that this might be a youth?)

Salutations and innumerable happy greetings!

Day four of WA Cluster 14's 10 th Cycle of Growth is over, and yet again, our loins were girded to their utmost as we ventured out into the bitter cold for another day of teaching. (Loins,which by day four have walked enough, that they are admittedly quite sore.)

Five teams spent the afternoon scattered across the beautiful countryside of North Seattle (that's a joke). With the frigid air sharply filling our lungs, and an overwhelming sense of anticipation and joy in our hearts, we were ready for another great afternoon.

Our first team conducted three return visits before moving ahead into the great unknown. Within that great unknown, they met a woman who was "just sick of studying, and only wants to pray." So they gave her a prayer book, which she immediately took a liking to, and she invited them to come back in the summertime. That's right. WA cluster 14 . . . plans home visits seven months in advance!

[The second team] knocked on a ridiculous number of doors until one finally opened: There was a woman just visible through the window in the door, who appeared to be resting on her couch. Someone in the team said "oh well, looks like she is asleep, we don't want to disturb." But another team member replied, "Ya. But there really isn't anything more worth while to get up for than the Message of Baha'u'llah." If anyone can think of a better response, please send me the memo.

Anyway, long story short, the woman was very interested in learning about not only the team's cultural roots, but about the history and teachings of the Baha'i Faith. Therefore the team was able to share Anna's presentation in its entirety, and needless to say, got some digits, and will be scheduling a follow-up visit.

Our third team had some wonderful experiences as well. One young woman they met was a Quaker who knew a lot about the Baha'i Faith, and during the course of their dialog revealed that she was "Pro-Baha'i. All of it – except for the homosexuality part." A follow up visit has been scheduled with her.

Another woman the same team visited had been to Panama, and had visited the House of Worship there. One of team three's members had served a term of service in Panama, and found an instant connection with this woman. Again, a follow up visit of epic proportions has been arranged.

Our fourth team went back only for follow-up visits today. There was a couple that they had visited a few times already, but had seemed to visit at all the wrong times. This prompted one of the team members to ask: "Would you like us to come back, or would you like us to leave you alone?" The response was "come back tomorrow at 11am, and we will talk about the Faith." It was very direct, people.

And now team five! This story plays out in two places at the same time. So back at the Baha'i Center Prayer Team was going at it like there was no tomorrow. They were praying away, and then the suggestion was brought to the circle of friends that they should say 9 Tablets of Ahmad to assist in the teams' teaching efforts. In the midst of the 9 th Tablet of Ahmad, team five barged in through the front door accompanied by a middle-aged man. They traversed the room and filed into IPG headquarters and were momentarily lost from view. What was going on…?

At the same time, likely just preceding the recitation of the 9 Tablets of Ahmad, Team five was nearing the end of its teaching circuit. Throughout the day, they had been saying prayers in front of all the houses where no one was home. This house appeared to have no one in it, but the team decided to try it out anyway. To their surprise someone was home and he immediately invited them inside, where the team was able to share the entirety of Anna's presentation. At the end of the presentation, one of the team members said "Of course, this is a religion we are introducing you to, if you'd like to join the Faith…"

The response had conviction: "I think I could do that."

At this point team five reached into their trusty packet of teaching materials, and found the declaration card, which was supposed to be included, was missing. …Back to the Baha'i Center!

Team five barges into headquarters, Michael signs his card, and the 9th Tablet of Ahmad is recited following the event. (whew).

Yes friends. It was another exciting, joyous, action-packed day. We laughed, we cried, we prayed, we ate, we sang, and we're ready to do it all over again tomorrow!

There's something inexplicably uplifting about one's participation in the teaching effort, and the personal transformation that takes place during that process. On day one, there was a feeling of anticipation, but it was flecked with notions of nervousness and anxiety. Now, there is an overwhelming sense of joy, determination, devotion, and excitement, which has only been gained through action and experience.

Abdu'l-Baha says in His Will and Testament that: "Of all the gifts of God, the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice to the Abha Beauty and teach the Cause of God. Caution and prudence, however, must be observed, even as recorded in the book. The veil must in no wise be suddenly rent asunder. The Glory of Glories rest upon you."

This 10 th Cycle of Growth has been totally rad.

With Love and Gratitude,

on behalf of the ATC and all those who participated today.

Flash update - Tucson IPG gathering momentum

The Tucson, AZ cluster began it's most recent expansion phase with a bang this past weekend, assisting 12 individuals (9 adults and 3 children) to embrace the Cause of Baha'u'llah by Sunday evening. By day 5 (Wednesday) the cluster had welcomed a total of 17 new Baha'is (12 adults and 5 children). The cluster is well on it's way toward it's goal of 24 new believers in this phase, and we wish them nothing but the best. (And here's one quick story too.)

"Another mother, on an initial visit, had seen first hand the beauty and simplicity of the Core Activities when two Jr. youth held a children's class in her home for her child. She invited the Baha'is to return, and after hearing Anna's presentation in the cold outside of her front door, firmly declared her belief in Baha'u'llah and signed her card."

Westchester NY (*C) seekers receive loving support

Here is a shining example of accompaniment at the cluster level. There is no substitute for consistent and loving follow up with seekers by local Baha'is!

Alice and Ray are seeker response champions in the Westchester County NY (*C) cluster. Long time Baha'is, they have lived there for years and know most of the Baha'is in the surrounding towns, so gathering support and accompaniment for seekers is only a phone call or an email away. They have a systematic method of lovingly welcoming seekers and step by step they lead them through introductions, meeting other seekers, firesides, devotional gatherings and Ruhí study circles. They follow up to make sure that the seekers are contacted by Baha'is in their own town, and they encourage the formation of new core activities there. When seekers declare they make sure that the tender new Baha'is are welcomed into the Baha'i community where they live. And, they offer a special gathering monthly for seekers and new Baha'is to attend and get to know each other. Some Baha'is keep coming back to these gatherings for years, bringing new friends who then embrace the Faith.

Of the eight seekers who have come through the national seeker response from Westchester County in the past few months, two have declared, four regularly attend core activities, and one is being accompanied via email while she is on a work assignment in Hawaii. As if that wasn’t enough, Alice and Ray provide regular and timely updates on each seeker for the Regional Specialist so we can keep track of their progress.

~NE Regional Seeker Response Specialist

Knowing our human resources

The Pittsburg PA (C) cluster shares an example of how we can be most efficient in our response to seeker requests when the Local Assembly and the cluster agencies know the human resources in their clusters.

In the past few months there have been 14 seekers from the Pittsburgh PA (C) cluster have inquired through 1-800-22UNITE or the public web site. Nine seekers have responded and of those, five have attended core activities and two have declared. This effective response is due in great measure to the quick and loving follow up provided by the cluster agencies there, particularly the Institute Coordinator and the Local Assembly secretary.

Yesterday a seeker contacted us in Spanish and the Regional Specialist sent out the call for a Spanish-speaking Baha'i in Pittsburgh. Within 20 minutes replies were again received from both the Institute Coordinator and the Assembly secretary, recommending the same person – a graduate student studying Spanish at the University of Pittsburgh.

~NE Regional Seeker Response Specialist, 1/16/08

Diagram of an IPG: Seattle Day 3

The best part of this Seattle WA (A) day's report? Perhaps the young man who announced to his team, "I'm scared! Who else is scared?!" and broke the ice. Or maybe the inspiring words of Counselor Murphy about the power of divine assistance. Or maybe the giant map of all the homes around the Baha'i Center marked up with those wanting to know more about Baha'u'llah. There's so much to choose from. . .

Dearest friends!

The spirit around the Baha'i Center and that which can be seen emanating from the friends is only more radiant than before. This is said with the utmost sincerity.

When on Saturday morning a few dozen friends gathered to go direct teaching, or during the last two days of continued efforts by new participants, there was not a one among them without fear! A young man in one of his groups announced boldly, "I'm scared! Who else is scared?!" The others on his team and nearby looked over with hesitant faces and sideways grins, then responded, "I am!!!"

One of the clearest conclusions that has been noticed by each teacher, each prayer team member, each friend who has stopped by in support, is that once a believer has made the first step out into the neighborhood, they come back a changed person - a confirmed soul. Fear dissipates. Divine assistance sees to that.

Counselor Rebecqua Murphy, who has graciously joined the Seattle community in their efforts since the lunch of the cluster's 10th cycle of growth, shared a touching insight on the topic of divine assistance on the morning of the second day. She called our attention to the words of Baha'u'llah in a well-known passage which begins with the invocation:

"Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee, as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto Him..."

She quoted the portion about half-way through this particular passage:

"Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God, the scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart of every righteous man to throb."

She told of another passage found in the Writings of Baha'u'llah that identifies the believers in Baha'u'llah who step forth to share His Message as those scattering angels of the Almighty.

Counselor Murphy went on to describe how these two passages link those who teach with the prayers said in their name: the teacher goes out on the wings of that prayer.

It is not the efforts of that teacher which finds receptive souls. It is, instead, the prayer, your prayer, said for their sake that "... must needs sooner or later exercise its influence."

That influence was noticed today among the efforts of all those praying and teaching, and for that many thanks to those who are keeping the teaching efforts in their prayers. It was the consensus of the group present that the highest number of receptive individuals were identified today as compared to Days One and Two.

One team trudged through the cold and rain to the home of a man who turned out to be particularly interested in religious philosophy and discussion. When asked if he had heard of the Baha'i Faith before he responded, "Yes, of course! Seals and Crofts!" When asked if he would be interested in spending some time discussing the Baha'i Faith, the man accepted, saying he would like to attend one of the events this week being held at the Center.

Another young man was engaged in discussion by another team. Oddly enough, numerous teams have encountered several very young families with brand new babies having just arrived home. This visit happened to be with one such family! The young man had also heard of the Baha'i Faith before. In fact, he shared that he had lived in Samoa for some time and visited the Baha'i Temple there on a few occasions. He would like to visit the Baha'i Center with his family after they have settled in a bit.

Two other teams found receptivity even (perhaps especially) among those who are late in years and have seen a great deal with regard to religion, the ills of the world, and the changes it is going through.

One team's first visit of the day was with a man in his eighties who said to them when they knocked on the door, "Well, I don't know who you are, but come on in!" The team entered his home and began a conversation that would last over one hour! The team sensed his receptivity to hearing the concepts included in Anna's presentation. After some time, the team had yet to get through the presentation - not for lack of interest, but for the man's prolific supply of questions! It was clear to the team that this man had a need to share, to empty his cup. He conveyed his experiences with investigating many religious groups throughout his life only to be disappointed with finding "nothing more than shells." After the team shared with the man a bit more about the Faith, including Baha'u'llah's claim to be the Promised One of all ages, he concurred, "I need to go investigate this more." The team left some information with the gentlemen and plan to return during the upcoming weekend.

A second team met with a man of age and wisdom. The man's sweet nature was apparent from the start: one team member shared with him that her name means butterfly. The gentlemen responded, "Well, my name's Buzz, like a bee!" He had just had surgery so was not up for a presentation or guests but accepted an invitation for a return visit.

One of the same teams mentioned above also met a young woman working as a nanny for several children. When the team introduced themselves and the reason for their visit, she responded, "Well, the children are about to do a play - they're all dressed up - but I'm really very interested! Could you come back a bit later on? I'm sure the children's mother would also be very interested - she is very open!" The team has agreed to follow up with the household this week.

One last encounter to share reflects the receptivity of many for that which heals. A team knocked on the door of a home inhabited by two women. At the door, the team noticed that one had a foot brace on, and the other look somewhat weary. After inding that the two women were not particularly interested in receiving a presentation at that time, the team simply offered to say a prayer for healing with them. The two women that had, before, remained behind their screen door suddenly swung it wide open saying, "Oh, yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you."

It is hoped that through these stories the community at large will be further inspired with the successes of those acting on behalf of the entire cluster. It is also hoped that these stories will offer thanks and encouragement to those who are assisting ever so importantly through personal prayers.

At the end of the evening debrief, all gathered took a moment to study the map of homes that surround the Baha'i Center (marked by a small, glittery sticker of a treasure chest). Those homes where no one answered were marked with a purple dry-erase marker. All those homes where "No Solicitors" signs were posted, or inhabitants declined any visit were marked with red. All of those homes where someone receptive has been found were marked in green. Someone said, "Look at all those little green points where there are souls who want to hear about Baha'u'llah." We took a moment to imagine those homes scattered so closely in each direction around the Baha'i Center. Three days ago, we did not know of these 75 people. Three days ago, most of these people had not yet heard the name, "Baha'u'llah." Imagine that.

With much love and gratitude,

on behalf of the ATC and all those who participated today!

Diagram of an IPG: Seattle Day 2

Day2 - the friends reflect on their experiences the day before, articulate the lessons they learned, refine the approach through consultation, and prepare themselves for some follow-up home visits and some more initial visits. This stuff is great!

Dearest Friends!

This has been Day Two of Seattle's Intensive Program of Growth (IPG)! With yesterday's incredible jump-start, new teams formed this morning with an even greater level of confidence, if such a thing were possible.

Certainly, a hugely important contributing factor was the marvelous devotions that were prepared, with great love and care, by a very conscientious member of our community.

Today, 14 teams went back out into the neighborhood to follow up with individuals or families that requested return visits, and to initiate new visits with additional contacts. Those efforts were strongly reinforced by the Prayer Team and their dedicated efforts throughout the entire day.

Since this was the second day of the expansion phase a great deal of learning took place. The experiences of yesterday were compared to those of today. Insights were made into everything from what the data forms should look like, to what exactly should be said when a team reaches the front door of a home, to how one arranges a follow-up visit.

Before leaving the Center, one team made sure that they put their boisterous excitement on hold for a moment to channel that energy toward prayer. Remembering this simple but essential step brought a renewed boost of confidence to the team as they walked to their new block.

Another team focused their energy on studying the language and subsequent success of their introduction. The group consciously tried a variety of introductions and concluded that a few more days of teaching would be necessary to give them some solid ideas. Despite the fact that no immediate solutions were drawn, the team was extremely hopeful and modeled trust, patience, enthusiasm and humility - an exemplary attitude of learning.

A third team gave an additional example of the diligent consultation that took place among the teams with the intention to refine their understanding of the direct teaching process. After leaving each home that the team was able to engage with, they paused to reflect on their experience, whether or not the individual or family seemed willing to receive follow up of some kind, and when that would take place. After continued consultation, the team made a significant realization: it is necessary to ask directly whether or not that person would like a return visit or other kind of follow up. The team found that this simple question ("Would you like us to come back?"), made every bit of difference in meeting the needs of those they spoke with. This may have been accomplished by leaving the individual to themselves, or by providing them with the healing medicine that the Baha'i Faith offers.

Another team learned that on rare, beautiful, sunny winter days, people may not be at home. They will be outside! While two members of the team walked up steep stairs to knock on doors, prepared with warm greetings and prayer cards, the third member let her knees rest and concentrated on prayers. Multiple times after the two members descended from those front doors they found their third counterpart engaged in full discussions with people out on walks with their pet dogs!

Such an incredible amount of learning took place today. The highlight of this learning was simply practicing the attitude necessary for learning! In the midst of all this trial and error, a few surprises, perhaps some of the sweetest moments of the day, found their way to two other teams.

One team went on a second round in the afternoon. Their first outing had not produced many direct results. Their second outing, on the other hand, produced three outstanding experiences. The most heart-warming of these was in the meeting of a young girl in her twenties who has a relative that is a Baha'i! She listened to the beginning of Anna's presentation and requested that someone meet with her later this week.

A second team was making their way back to the Center and decided to make their final visit. An elderly woman opened the door of this home. They gave her an invitation to the activities at the center, and then ended up saying a prayer with her there on her front porch. She gave them her contact information but said that she wasn't really in a position to receive guests for any kind of presentation. The team was about to leave when one member was inspired to ask if she might be willing to hear the presentation at that time. She responded excitedly, "Yes!" The team stayed with her for an additional 45 minutes during which time they were able to share nearly half of Anna's presentation with her. Their visit was very well received and the team has scheduled a follow-up with her.

The evening program was rejuvenating and inspired renewed efforts of focus on guests and seekers. At the end of the day, all participants were tired, but very, very happy. Tomorrow is another day, with more stories awaiting us!

Please keep all efforts in your prayers, as you have been.

With much love and kind regards,

for the ATC and all who participated today!

Diagram of an IPG: Seattle's Core Team

Though short, this observation from the secretary of the Office of Cluster Advancement for the Northwest Region gives a fascinating look into what it really takes to pull off a well- organized, efficient, and effective expansion phase. These guys are making it happen!

This [core] team is really amazing and learning so much. They went from being at the Center until nearly midnight on the first day, trying to figure out the data and follow up, to becoming more efficient and wrapping up by 11pm on the second day. Then today they got it all done during the day – including follow up cards, maps for the return visit teams, and return visits scheduled into specific slots for the remaining days of the cycle – and ready in neat stacks by the end of the evening program. Of course, data processing is just one part of the many things they are doing, and they are exhibiting wonderful learning and refinement on the go in many areas!